New Drug ‘Melts’ Away Fats In Arteries

A trial drug meant for treating breast cancer and diabetes has also been found to ‘melt away’ the fat inside arteries.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen observed pre-clinical mouse models which showed even just a single dose of the drug, Trodusquemine, completely reversed the effects of Atherosclerosis.

This refers to the build-up of fatty material that line the inside of the arteries. The fatty material can accumulate over time and thicken inside the arterial walls, restricting blood flow to the heart.

Atherosclerosis is the root of most heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes.

In pre-clinical tests, mice that suffered from atherosclerosis were observed to have far less arterial buildup, regardless of whether they had regular doses over time or were just administered a single dose of Trodusquemine.

The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and amounted to £236,000.

It was led by Professor Mirela Delibegovic and Dr. Dawn Thompson from the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Medical Sciences.

“All humans have some level of atherosclerosis. As you age you start to develop these fatty streaks inside your arteries. It is a big problem for people who are overweight or have underlying cardiovascular conditions,” said Professor Mirela Delibegovic.

Her team stated, “The next step is to test the ability of this drug to improve outcomes in human patients with developed atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.”

If all goes well, we might soon be seeing a one-dose solution to a problem that’s been clogging our collective pipes since the dawn of, well, McDonald’s.